Over the next six years, more than 20 billion euros will be allocated to support the primary sector, noted the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, from Nea Triglia, Chalkidiki.
Mr. Schinas placed particular emphasis on the negotiations for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), noting that Greece will actively participate in shaping European decisions, seeking the necessary resources and greater flexibility to meet the needs of Greek producers.
Presenting the Ministry of Rural Development and Food’s key priorities for the coming period, Mr. Schinas outlined three central areas of focus: restoring the credibility of the payment system, negotiating the new CAP, and promoting investment in the primary sector.
Referring to the changes currently underway in the payment system, he noted that the transition to this new era may be accompanied by adjustment difficulties, while assuring, however, that the necessary safeguards will be in place to ensure the smooth implementation of the changes. At the same time, he called on producers to show confidence in the process, emphasizing that the reforms are already underway.
At the same time, he stressed the need for greater national flexibility and a reduction in bureaucracy within the framework of the new European agricultural policy, noting that the unique characteristics of Greek agriculture and Mediterranean crops require a different approach compared to other regions of Europe.
He set as a key objective the enhancement of the added value of Greek agricultural products, with the aim of increasing producers’ income and strengthening their presence in international markets.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Schinas emphasized that the development of the primary sector requires stable planning and consistency, while referring to political developments, he expressed the view that the country must continue on a path of stability, rejecting, as he said, easy solutions and empty promises.
